Are you looking for the top things to do in Palma? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic islands and a tropical paradise just off the coast of Barcelona, Spain. A short flight (around 2.5 hours) from England and the hot weather all year round make it a popular spot for a summer holiday from the UK.
Over the years Mallorca has become well-known for being a popular spot for young English tourists on their first holiday with friends. Drinking too much, falling asleep around the pool, turning as red as a lobster and generally giving us British a bad name. However, the island has so much more to offer than just the party strip of Magaluf.
We fell in love with the city of Palma. The biggest city in Mallorca with its quaint cobbled streets, Spanish restaurants and surprisingly good coffee shops.
Planning a trip to Europe? You’ll love these spots in the Algarve, Portugal as well!
The city is a perfect juxtaposition of old meets new and this was just part of the reason why we loved it. Read on to hear our top 10 things to do in Palma, Mallorca:
1. Visit The Palma de Mallorca Cathedral – one of the top things to do in Palma
The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (Cathedral of St. Mary of Palma), more commonly referred to as La Seu is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Palma. It’s a must-visit for anyone visiting the island. The Cathedral is one of Europe’s tallest Gothic-style structures with Northern European styles, as well as influences from the famous architect, Antoni Gaudi.
It is located in Old Town by Palma’s port and Parc de la Mar – you really can’t miss it!
The Cathedral is open between 10 am – 5:15 pm Monday – Friday and 10 am – 2:15 pm Saturday and is Closed Sundays. Tickets cost $9 for ages 8+ and $7 for seniors.
Note – to go inside Plama Cathedral you must have your arms and legs covered.
2. Visit The Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Just around the corner from the Palam de Mallorca Cathedral is the Royal Palace.
The palace dates back to the 14th century and is the official residence of the King and Queen during their stays in Mallorca. The Spanish royal family still celebrates official functions in the palace when they visit. It’s a beautiful building built in a similar style and stone as the cathedral. We headed just around the corner from it where you can get a beautiful view of it in the background with this incredible green water in the foreground.
There was also a busker playing at the time with a beautiful voice, making the experience extra special. Add this to your list of things to do in Palma.
3. Get Lost in the Narrow Streets of the Old Town
The historic old town is an enchanting rabbit hole. Packed full of cobbled streets each lined with a mixture of chain and independent shops cafés, restaurants and bars.
Take in the honey-coloured buildings, flaunting beautiful casement windows and Juliet balconies. Soak up the atmosphere as you wander the medieval streets.
4. Visit the Harbour
If you’re anything like us then you’ll love marvelling at all of the big boats and dreaming about which one we’ll have one day. Even if you don’t love dreaming about being wealthy and owning a boat the harbour is still a lovely stop to people-watch and enjoy some paella or tapas. Palm trees line the way passed typical Spanish buildings and Palma’s yacht-filled harbour.
It’s a beautiful walk and one that runs the whole distance from one end of Palma all the way past Palma airport.
5. Visit Palma Beach
It might not be the most photogenic beach in the whole of Mallorca but it is certainly the most convenient if you’re staying in Palma. The sand wasn’t quite as white here as on other beaches and the water was not as clear. But, saying that it is still a lovely beach. Complete with beach bars, restaurants and sunloungers with parasols to hire.
You can easily hop on a bus to get here or walk here if you are staying in the East of Palma.
The main attraction of Palma Beach, apart from its close proximity to the city is the beautiful view of the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma from the beach. The Cathedral looms in the background and offers a truly unique view. Palma Beach is ideal to add to your list of things to do in Palma if you are staying in Palma for a longer period of time.
Spots to eat and drink on Palma Beach:
Mingo Lounge – amazing cocktails
Alma Palma – great tapas
6. Take the train to Soller – one of the top things to do in Palma
It’s not technically something to see and do in Palma but, it does start in the city centre. So, I guess it is. The vintage railway is a must-see if you have a few days in Palma. A vintage railway that was originally used to transport citrus fruit and is now a major tourist attraction yet still retains its authentic Mallorcan charm.
The train takes around 1hr and costs 25 Euro’s return. You can buy your ticket at the station (right next to Palmas main bus station) or online here.
I left on the 10:10 train and came back on the 5:15 one. Soller is a small town and lovely as it was there wasn’t a lot to see so this felt like far too much time to spend here. However, you can opt to book the vintage tram which takes you to Port de Soller as well, this costs 35 Euros return but it would definitely fill out your time and it is supposed to be lovely.
What side of the train to Soller should I sit on?
Top tip – when leaving Palma sit on the left side of the train for the best views! You also stop at a viewpoint for around 5 minutes where you can get off the train and take photos or admire the view.
7. Sample the Mallorcan food
Indulge in local cuisine from sweet, flaky pastries to rich stews and traditional Spanish dishes such as paella and tapas.
If you know us then you’ll know that we LOVE Spanish food and food in general. But, as two vegetarians it can be quite hard sometimes to find dishes without fish and meat. We didn’t eat as much local food as we would have liked. However, we did find a great selection of tapas and vegetarian paella in most of the local restaurants. Something that we were very happy about. I, Reanna also enjoyed some coca de trampó a type of flaky pasty which I enjoyed topped with peppers and tomatoes and caramelised onions and goat’s cheese.
Some typical Mallorcan food includes:
Arros brut – A traditional rice dish with vegetables and meat.
Bunyols – A sweet, fried snack enjoyed at fiestas.
Pa amb oli – Local bread, rubbed with garlic, local “ramallet” tomatoes and olive oil made with olives grown on the island.
Panades – Savoury-filled pastries.
8. Visit the Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Immerse yourself in a diverse collection of artworks by both local and international artists. The museum offers a great insight into the Balearic Islands’ artistic heritage.
9. Visit Bellver Castle
When visiting Palma, Mallorca, a visit to Bellver Castle is an absolute must. Perched on top of the hill overlooking the city, this unique circular castle offers not only a fascinating glimpse into Mallorca’s history but also breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.
From the top you’ll be rewarded with a stunning vista of Palma’s rooftops, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and the lush green landscape. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking a memorable experience, a visit to Bellver Castle is an absolute must-do when in Palma, Mallorca.
10. Stroll along Passeig des Born
Take a leisurely walk along this elegant tree-lined boulevard filled with shops, cafes, and stylish boutiques. It’s a great place for shopping, people-watching, or enjoying a coffee.
